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Bill > S580

NJ S580

NJ S580
Creates a civil cause of action for stalking.

summary

Introduced
01/14/2020
In Committee
01/14/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill creates a civil cause of action for victims of stalking, a crime set out in P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10). Under the bill, a "victim" is defined as "a person who, as a result of the conduct of the defendant that is prohibited under P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10), was placed in reasonable fear for his own personal safety or for the safety of a minor child of whom the person is a parent or legal guardian." The bill provides that the victim could bring suit whether or not the individual has been charged with or convicted of the crime. The victim could be awarded damages and costs, including attorney fees, and may also be awarded punitive damages. Under the bill, no action could be commenced beyond the applicable personal injury statute of limitations. Under N.J.S.A.2A:14-2 the statute of limitations for personal injury actions is two years.

AI Summary

This bill creates a civil cause of action for victims of stalking, as defined in the existing stalking law P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10). Under the bill, a victim can bring a civil lawsuit against the individual who engaged in the prohibited stalking conduct, regardless of whether the individual has been charged or convicted of the crime. The victim may be awarded damages, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, as well as punitive damages. The statute of limitations for such a civil action is the same as the personal injury statute of limitations, which is two years in New Jersey.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/14/2020)
(3 Companion Bills)

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